Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

New York City -- Kyle Dancho, Stanley Black & Decker's president of Hand Tools and Fastening, described product successes and economic challenges during a media briefing here at the Westin Hotel in Manhattan.

Despite the economic doldrums that has decimated the ranks of construction workers -- a key target for the company's products -- Dancho said Stanley is growing. Innovation drives success in hand tools, particularly, he added. 

The Home Improvement Research Institute elects a new slate.

For HBSDealer stocks on Thursday, it was a matter of "some were up, some were down." Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) saw the biggest increase, while Trex (TREX) saw the sharpest decline.

At Friday's close, more than half of the 30 stocks rose, with Stanley Black & Decker leading the pack.

The companies were noted for their product quality, innovation and customer service.

The company is continuing its portfolio simplification process by selling off its Rubermaid consumer storage totes business.